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OPEN: Why asking for help can save your life
- Adam Kay, bestselling author of This is Going To Hurt
- Alastair Campbell
In OPEN , Frankie Bridge opens up about her ongoing journey from breakdown to breakthroughs and through self-loathing, hospitalization and self-acceptance. Part narrative exploration, part guide, this book will help you to understand the importance of talking and helping each other .
It combines guidance and advice from the psychologist and psychiatrist who pulled her back from the brink along with their notes on her and conversations with her. This book will help people open up about their mental health and encourage us all to speak out.
Afterword by Mind.
'OPEN is an intimate, honest and powerful read. So personal you want to jump into the pages.' - Giovanna Fletcher, bestselling author of Happy Mum, Happy Baby
'A beautiful read.' - Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2
- Alastair Campbell
In OPEN , Frankie Bridge opens up about her ongoing journey from breakdown to breakthroughs and through self-loathing, hospitalization and self-acceptance. Part narrative exploration, part guide, this book will help you to understand the importance of talking and helping each other .
It combines guidance and advice from the psychologist and psychiatrist who pulled her back from the brink along with their notes on her and conversations with her. This book will help people open up about their mental health and encourage us all to speak out.
Afterword by Mind.
'OPEN is an intimate, honest and powerful read. So personal you want to jump into the pages.' - Giovanna Fletcher, bestselling author of Happy Mum, Happy Baby
'A beautiful read.' - Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2020
107 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 18, 2021
I have a great deal of respect for Frankie after reading Open - her authenticity is admirable. However, I found the repetition of words such as ‘crazy’ almost unsettling. It’s fantastic to see someone with a platform such as Frankie’s advocate for the destigmatisation of mental health, but certain words, phrases and anecdotes used made me uncomfortable. I got this book to navigate my own issues with mental health, and I’ve sort of put Open down feeling like privately funded care is the best - perhaps only - way truly towards progress. And so, paradoxically, Frankie’s narrative adds to my anxiety. Nevertheless, I applaud her for her hard work, and her honesty too. Open shows that there is no shortcut, no ‘quick fix’ when it comes to depression. Frankie showed it is a journey. And that is what the world needs to hear.
May 3, 2020
Book 7 of 2020
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Open was in my @wildwomanselfcaregifts subscription and I'm glad it was as I don't think I would've purchased this book myself but I found it an absorbing and enlightening read.
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Frankie Bridge shares her story of battling with mental illness in such an incredibly honest way. It includes notes from her psychiatrist and psychologist which shed light on some of the most difficult to understand aspects of mental illness.
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I would say this is a book for anyone who has had mental health issues and for anyone who hasn't but knows someone who has. It looks at so many aspects of this incredibly complex health issue, debunks some myths and normalises the topic. Beautifully brave writing about why asking for help could save your life.
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Open was in my @wildwomanselfcaregifts subscription and I'm glad it was as I don't think I would've purchased this book myself but I found it an absorbing and enlightening read.
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Frankie Bridge shares her story of battling with mental illness in such an incredibly honest way. It includes notes from her psychiatrist and psychologist which shed light on some of the most difficult to understand aspects of mental illness.
.
I would say this is a book for anyone who has had mental health issues and for anyone who hasn't but knows someone who has. It looks at so many aspects of this incredibly complex health issue, debunks some myths and normalises the topic. Beautifully brave writing about why asking for help could save your life.
March 11, 2020
It is a must read for anyone who has a mental health issue. I can very much relate and understand the issues which are highlighted in the book.
December 14, 2020
Thank you for sharing your story Frankie :)
September 29, 2020
He de reconocer que llegué a este libro con prejuicios por ser la autora ex-miembro de una girl band británica, y porque es mitad autobiografía y mitad guía. Su historia, que trata su vida de popstar lidiando con varios trastornos mentales, está intercalada con breves notas de su psiquiatra y su psicóloga, de los cuales he aprendido algo más sobre terminologías y tratamientos. Si bien está narrada desde el privilegio que un tipo de vida así proporciona (cosa que ella reconoce), no hay que subestimar la importancia de crear conciencia y seguir desestigmatizando el serio tema de la salud mental.
March 19, 2024
An enjoyable book and Open is definitely a well chosen title for this book. Frankie is very honest about her experiences and it's quite a cathartic read
February 8, 2020
Ok, this book was incredible. I have been through a very similar journey (slightly different diagnoses) but I was amazed at the recognisable truth and transparency with which Frankie wrote this.. I can only imagine how stomach churning it was to write and release but it is amazing. Never does she preach cures or advice, it is simply the bare bones of her experience and it was raw and emotional, it made me emotional about my journey.
If you are yet to seek help and want to know more about how you can go about it & what to expect when you do, read this book.
If you are worried about someone else or have a friend or relative etc going through depression, anxiety, OCD or any other mental illness then this is also a great book to read to understand a little more what they are going through... I think once you are in a stronger place it can be easier to put into words and I know for sure that a lot of Frankie’s words will help me to begin relating my story better to my others xxx
If you are yet to seek help and want to know more about how you can go about it & what to expect when you do, read this book.
If you are worried about someone else or have a friend or relative etc going through depression, anxiety, OCD or any other mental illness then this is also a great book to read to understand a little more what they are going through... I think once you are in a stronger place it can be easier to put into words and I know for sure that a lot of Frankie’s words will help me to begin relating my story better to my others xxx
February 22, 2020
Frankie is someone I have looked up to for a number of years and to be able to read about her experiences feels incredibly intimate and rewarding at the same time. There were moments reading this where I could identify with what Frankie said and where she was coming from, she discusses perfectionism and people pleasing and constantly not feeling good enough and it's sad to think of all the people out there who suffer with mental illness. Frankie talked about everything with a beautiful honesty and the book comes from a positive place, she wants to use her words to help others. This book also hammers home a few things; the importance of a good support network, everyone has ups and downs and most importantly, it's okay to seek help and talk about what you're going through - you're never alone.
March 6, 2020
This book really spoke to me. I would recommend it to anyone who has experienced anxiety/panic/depression, or knows someone who has. Audiobook is great 👍🏻
May 25, 2021
I don't want to get too deep with this review as it goes into my own personal journey, but will say Open is an honest story of one woman's fight with her mental health that she still goes through daily. Whether you take from it Frankie is someone who is famous, was in The Saturdays or just that its a womans fight with her mental health I do not think is important. So many people will be able to relate to some of the issues Frankie goes through and went through on the daily. There were too many moments of, 'OMG that's me' or 'That's exactly how I feel/felt'. If anything Open can help in that it makes you feel like its not just you and you aren't alone - which trust me when I say, if you suffer with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues is something that happens all too often. The helplessness of it all, the feeling alone and like no one would understand or you just must be crazy (I've felt crazy too many times and I know that's not a PC term but its a personal term I've used for myself).
I think it took an extreme amount of guts and courage for Frankie to write this book. Especially as it obviously bought back a lot of hidden memories and thoughts which probably set off her anxiety (She does talk about that in a chapter or 2). Having read this on paperback I will definitely be looking to listen on audio. Having had therapy and cognitive theory too for my anxiety and panic 15 years ago and still having anxiety to this day, it reminded me of things I had forgotten that I feel will help me again now. Which I'm truly thankful for.
This was a solid 4.5 star read for me and I would highly recommend it. Read in 1 sitting.
I think it took an extreme amount of guts and courage for Frankie to write this book. Especially as it obviously bought back a lot of hidden memories and thoughts which probably set off her anxiety (She does talk about that in a chapter or 2). Having read this on paperback I will definitely be looking to listen on audio. Having had therapy and cognitive theory too for my anxiety and panic 15 years ago and still having anxiety to this day, it reminded me of things I had forgotten that I feel will help me again now. Which I'm truly thankful for.
This was a solid 4.5 star read for me and I would highly recommend it. Read in 1 sitting.
September 3, 2020
Great book. I'll recommend it to anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders or any other similar mental health issues. This book is about Frankie's own experience with mental health issues, she does not tell you how you solve your problems, she doesn't give you advice or make any promises that everything will magically get better. She writes about her difficult days, the ugly days and she expresses some of the most common fears people have when trying to ask for help. The commentary by her care team also gives a very important insight as to how theses mental health issues work and what the biggest challenges are when trying to treat them. I found this book to be very helpful.
March 21, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
Outside of the heavy one sided fringe and the subtly groovy New Direction (which I probably would have watched as a standalone concert if the hair could have held a microphone and repeated the same song, with dance moves, 10 times over), I’ve never really been a follower of Frankies career. I can’t really say what attracted me to this book other than the hugely honest title. At times I could have screamed at her for an extreme reading and perception of life and the resulting situations but was comforted to hear the reflections, help sought and path towards change. Such an important book for younger generations to be able to relate to, and fantastic to have people like this willing to stand up and talk about their struggles. A clever dynamic with the inclusion of the psychologist and psychiatrist in each chapter to add the educational value too - not a book to be underestimated
Outside of the heavy one sided fringe and the subtly groovy New Direction (which I probably would have watched as a standalone concert if the hair could have held a microphone and repeated the same song, with dance moves, 10 times over), I’ve never really been a follower of Frankies career. I can’t really say what attracted me to this book other than the hugely honest title. At times I could have screamed at her for an extreme reading and perception of life and the resulting situations but was comforted to hear the reflections, help sought and path towards change. Such an important book for younger generations to be able to relate to, and fantastic to have people like this willing to stand up and talk about their struggles. A clever dynamic with the inclusion of the psychologist and psychiatrist in each chapter to add the educational value too - not a book to be underestimated
October 7, 2022
4.25⭐️ a very honest, powerful (and at times) relatable book that de-stigmatises mental health and encourages you to remember that it can effect anyone, no matter who you are
February 15, 2020
This was an absolutely fantastic book by Frankie. It was interesting to get an insight into her mental healthy journey and the tips from her psychologist and psychiatrist throughout the book were great to get a professional perspective. As someone who has, and continues to, suffer from anxiety, Frankie's book made me feel much less alone and I would recommend anyone to read this regardless of whether you personally have a mental illness, as it provides an insight into what a person with depression/anxiety feels.
January 31, 2020
Whether you live with mental illness yourself, know someone who does or you're completely new to the topic, Open is an insightful and honest book that would be a beneficial read for anyone.
The key aspect I appreciated in this book was Frankie's ability to discuss her past battles with depression, anxiety, OCD and eating disorders, with such honesty and realness.
As a mental health student, I really appreciated the input from Frankie's clinical psychologist and her CBT therapist. The descriptions of medication, diagnosis, etc... were clear and easy to understand, even for people who are unfamiliar to the topic.
Overall, this is a really important book and I'm glad to see people with a following use their voice to raise awareness of the daily struggles of someone living with mental health issues.
-read in exchange for an honest review-
The key aspect I appreciated in this book was Frankie's ability to discuss her past battles with depression, anxiety, OCD and eating disorders, with such honesty and realness.
As a mental health student, I really appreciated the input from Frankie's clinical psychologist and her CBT therapist. The descriptions of medication, diagnosis, etc... were clear and easy to understand, even for people who are unfamiliar to the topic.
Overall, this is a really important book and I'm glad to see people with a following use their voice to raise awareness of the daily struggles of someone living with mental health issues.
-read in exchange for an honest review-
March 31, 2020
Excellent and honest account.
August 1, 2023
This honest account of frankie’s mental health difficulties and experience was heartbreaking but also inspirational at the same time in raising awareness and ensuring everyone gets the help they need! I would recommend to anyone who has difficulties with mental health to know they’re not alone. But I would also recommend to everyone else in continuing to raise awareness surrounding the impact of mental health and what we can do to support.
December 2, 2020
Was really interested in reading this after being a fan of Frankie’s since she was in the Saturdays all the way to her Open Mind podcast. Thought it was a brave and open account of her personal struggles with mental health and gives a detailed insight into the mind of someone struggling with anxiety and other disorders. Would recommend as it leaves you feeling positive and informed.
February 27, 2020
I thought that the inclusion of comments from Frankie's psychologist and psychiatrist worked really well in this book and it felt like a very real and accurate account of depression, anxiety and disordered eating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
Frankie is really open and honest about her struggles with anxiety and depression. I recommend everyone reads this to get a feel for what some people go through and the understand more about mental health issues that can affect anyone.
August 31, 2021
Bad days are okay. Asking for help is okay. Recovery isn't straightforward.
A wonderful help to me
A wonderful help to me
July 29, 2020
This is the first ‘self help’ book I’ve ever read and I only even bothered with this one because it’s by Frankie Bridge, my favourite member of The Saturdays, who I have loved since I was a 7 year old kid watching her career begin as a 12 year old in S Club Juniors! But I’m so very glad I did pick this up because I now feel - despite being a huge fan of Frankie since the start of her career 19 years ago - that I now know her much better!
To the general public looking in at Frankie, she has the most perfect life - she’s been in two successful pop groups, is rich, is beautiful, has a loving husband, has two children, and has achieved many things that a lot of 31 year olds don’t necessarily achieve. But Frankie has always had a hidden battle with anxiety and depression that hospitalised her at the height of her fame, and has been suffering with them since she was a young child.
In this book, Frankie is very open (pardon the pun) and honest about her experiences with her mental health struggles in a way she’s never done so publicly before. At times it’s a hard read, especially if you’ve battled with mental health issues too like myself and many millions of people around the world, but on the whole it’s such an empowering and insightful read. Obviously it isn’t the font of all knowledge guidebook that will cure you of your anxiety/depression, and Frankie admits that herself. But she has learnt that talking about mental health actually helps you, and so she decided to share her story with us so that we too feel comfortable to discuss our own and get help like she did.
This book is kind of a memoir of sorts too in a way, not in the traditional autobiography sense that we’re used to celebrities releasing, but she does talk about her childhood, her career and her personal life in great detail. All the way through she speaks of memories and moments that gave great anxiety and caused her to have episodes, and that’s tough to read knowing that she always seemed so happy and smiley on the outside as a facade to hide what was going on inside her head. But that just goes to show that looks can be deceiving and even ‘happy’ people have hidden battles going on.
From a personal standpoint as a fan of Frankie and The Saturdays, I am extremely proud of the way that she has managed to open up and be so honest about her anxiety, depression, OCD and anorexia. She has used her platform to do so much good in regards to helping people seek help and also to talk about mental health. Frankie knows she is in a position where she can make a positive change on the stigma surrounding mental health, and I truly believe that if more celebrities were so honest about their own struggles, that the world wouldn’t necessarily be so judgemental on mental health issues.
So, Frankie, thank you for being so Open.
5/5
To the general public looking in at Frankie, she has the most perfect life - she’s been in two successful pop groups, is rich, is beautiful, has a loving husband, has two children, and has achieved many things that a lot of 31 year olds don’t necessarily achieve. But Frankie has always had a hidden battle with anxiety and depression that hospitalised her at the height of her fame, and has been suffering with them since she was a young child.
In this book, Frankie is very open (pardon the pun) and honest about her experiences with her mental health struggles in a way she’s never done so publicly before. At times it’s a hard read, especially if you’ve battled with mental health issues too like myself and many millions of people around the world, but on the whole it’s such an empowering and insightful read. Obviously it isn’t the font of all knowledge guidebook that will cure you of your anxiety/depression, and Frankie admits that herself. But she has learnt that talking about mental health actually helps you, and so she decided to share her story with us so that we too feel comfortable to discuss our own and get help like she did.
This book is kind of a memoir of sorts too in a way, not in the traditional autobiography sense that we’re used to celebrities releasing, but she does talk about her childhood, her career and her personal life in great detail. All the way through she speaks of memories and moments that gave great anxiety and caused her to have episodes, and that’s tough to read knowing that she always seemed so happy and smiley on the outside as a facade to hide what was going on inside her head. But that just goes to show that looks can be deceiving and even ‘happy’ people have hidden battles going on.
From a personal standpoint as a fan of Frankie and The Saturdays, I am extremely proud of the way that she has managed to open up and be so honest about her anxiety, depression, OCD and anorexia. She has used her platform to do so much good in regards to helping people seek help and also to talk about mental health. Frankie knows she is in a position where she can make a positive change on the stigma surrounding mental health, and I truly believe that if more celebrities were so honest about their own struggles, that the world wouldn’t necessarily be so judgemental on mental health issues.
So, Frankie, thank you for being so Open.
5/5
April 23, 2020
Like many of us, I know Frankie best as the one with short hair from The Saturdays, but this book is a really frank ('scuse the pun) look at her journey with mental health and her relationship with the media. It’s been very à la mode lately to talk about the toll that social media and traditional press has on our mental health, and I found it interesting to hear from someone who has spent time in the spotlight pre and post-social media and how different the effects have been.
Frankie says at one point that she had the realisation she wasn’t known in the band for being the best singer, but instead for what she was wearing and who she was dating. What this meant was that she was put in a precarious position with the press as her career was much more closely tied to her personal image than some of her bandmates. At the time, she was able to have some distance because she could choose not to read the papers etc. However, after being hospitalized due to the deterioration of her mental health later in her career, she then emerged back into the world – feeling vulnerable and very open and aware of external criticism, to be told by her management that she would need to have an Instagram and social media presence in order to maintain her image and secure brand deals.
This meant she had to bring all of those outside voices into her home for the first time via her phone - something we all keep in our pockets 24/7 like a lead weight. It was just a really interesting look also at the way she’s lived her life with mental illnesses but also a little magnifying glass on the way that press and celebrity has changed and the effects of that within a little microcosm. A really insightful read in light of the #BeKind movement - plus a glimpse behind the showbiz curtain that comes with life on the road.
Frankie says at one point that she had the realisation she wasn’t known in the band for being the best singer, but instead for what she was wearing and who she was dating. What this meant was that she was put in a precarious position with the press as her career was much more closely tied to her personal image than some of her bandmates. At the time, she was able to have some distance because she could choose not to read the papers etc. However, after being hospitalized due to the deterioration of her mental health later in her career, she then emerged back into the world – feeling vulnerable and very open and aware of external criticism, to be told by her management that she would need to have an Instagram and social media presence in order to maintain her image and secure brand deals.
This meant she had to bring all of those outside voices into her home for the first time via her phone - something we all keep in our pockets 24/7 like a lead weight. It was just a really interesting look also at the way she’s lived her life with mental illnesses but also a little magnifying glass on the way that press and celebrity has changed and the effects of that within a little microcosm. A really insightful read in light of the #BeKind movement - plus a glimpse behind the showbiz curtain that comes with life on the road.
March 26, 2021
If only more people were able to be more open about their mental health, if only mental health was an easier thing to deal with, if only we had the answer to solve the issue of the mind.
These are definite all ifs unfortunately but it was both an eye opener and a great read to see how Frankie Bridge dealt with and still deals with her mental health daily.
I definitely think it's great that celebrities like herself are being open and are trying to help and bring to light the effects of mental health for everyone.
I myself have dealt with anxiety for years on and off but only actually realised this 2 years ago. Mood swings, tears, not feeling good enough, anxious, scared and nervous to do anything and so much more.
I had a great childhood but looking back I'm aware that I was always a worrier as a kid. I also remember a period where I was a bit obsessed with death and at the same time terrified of it too and to this date I still don't like to talk about death and life after death etc as the unknown scares me too much.
I've always wanted to be a people pleaser and I'm still like this to this day although I have come to terms that not everyone will like me and that I will not please everyone no matter how hard I try.
Sometimes I feel I'm not good enough and that I'm not the best daughter, sister, auntie, girlfriend or friend and it takes for me to take some time to myself and to distract my mind away from thoughts like this because I know that they are irrational and I can only do my best. And I think we all need that thought, we can only do our best and if your best is to get out of bed of a day take that as your accomplishment, we're all going through things and we'll all get through this, one day at a time at our own pace.
These are definite all ifs unfortunately but it was both an eye opener and a great read to see how Frankie Bridge dealt with and still deals with her mental health daily.
I definitely think it's great that celebrities like herself are being open and are trying to help and bring to light the effects of mental health for everyone.
I myself have dealt with anxiety for years on and off but only actually realised this 2 years ago. Mood swings, tears, not feeling good enough, anxious, scared and nervous to do anything and so much more.
I had a great childhood but looking back I'm aware that I was always a worrier as a kid. I also remember a period where I was a bit obsessed with death and at the same time terrified of it too and to this date I still don't like to talk about death and life after death etc as the unknown scares me too much.
I've always wanted to be a people pleaser and I'm still like this to this day although I have come to terms that not everyone will like me and that I will not please everyone no matter how hard I try.
Sometimes I feel I'm not good enough and that I'm not the best daughter, sister, auntie, girlfriend or friend and it takes for me to take some time to myself and to distract my mind away from thoughts like this because I know that they are irrational and I can only do my best. And I think we all need that thought, we can only do our best and if your best is to get out of bed of a day take that as your accomplishment, we're all going through things and we'll all get through this, one day at a time at our own pace.
March 7, 2022
I had heard about Frankie Bridge's struggles with mental health and I had wondered why? From the outside, she seemed to have everything. Stunningly gorgeous, an enviable career, loving partner and family. Frankie tells the story about how she hit rock bottom and her recovery with the help of her psychologist, Maleha Khan, and her psychiatrist, Dr. Mike McPhillips.
I can't help but use this platitude - Frankie has been so brave in opening up and sharing her story. The book is written as if she is talking directly to somebody who is struggling with mental health issues too. This book isn't sensationalised or about raising Frankie's celebrity profile. There is a genuine desire to help others. With insightful contributions from Maleha Khan and Dr. Mike McPhillips which helps gives a scientific balance to the book. It's interesting to know that poor mental health sometimes can't be attributed to a single event, rather it is due to a person's biological makeup and there is possibly a genetic link. "Sunshine and Showers" as Frankie says, that is how her nan described her and that is how she now describes herself.
The illustrations by Ella McLean, though simple, are really effective at conveying Frankie's words. Well organised chapters.
4 stars.
I can't help but use this platitude - Frankie has been so brave in opening up and sharing her story. The book is written as if she is talking directly to somebody who is struggling with mental health issues too. This book isn't sensationalised or about raising Frankie's celebrity profile. There is a genuine desire to help others. With insightful contributions from Maleha Khan and Dr. Mike McPhillips which helps gives a scientific balance to the book. It's interesting to know that poor mental health sometimes can't be attributed to a single event, rather it is due to a person's biological makeup and there is possibly a genetic link. "Sunshine and Showers" as Frankie says, that is how her nan described her and that is how she now describes herself.
The illustrations by Ella McLean, though simple, are really effective at conveying Frankie's words. Well organised chapters.
4 stars.
October 19, 2022
I don't read a lot of self help books on any subject, but this one was needed due to a lot of things I'm experiencing right now.
For me it was incredibly helpful, made me think about how I've been dealing with things lately and more than anything else made me feel less alone.
We all know mental health is a subject that many people don't understand. As a sufferer I find the worst part can be feeling incredibly alone in how I feel. When I read other people's journeys it helps me feel like I'm not the only one who feels a certain way.
So, I am grateful to anyone in the public eye who helps to bring mental health and especially depression to the surface.
If you are feeling stuck right now I do highly reccomend the information in this book. Although I could not relate to all of Frankie's journey, so much of it currently is what I'm going through and I am so glad that I decided to read this at this moment in time.
Thank you frankie for sharing your journey with the world. I think your book is one that will help many people.
For me it was incredibly helpful, made me think about how I've been dealing with things lately and more than anything else made me feel less alone.
We all know mental health is a subject that many people don't understand. As a sufferer I find the worst part can be feeling incredibly alone in how I feel. When I read other people's journeys it helps me feel like I'm not the only one who feels a certain way.
So, I am grateful to anyone in the public eye who helps to bring mental health and especially depression to the surface.
If you are feeling stuck right now I do highly reccomend the information in this book. Although I could not relate to all of Frankie's journey, so much of it currently is what I'm going through and I am so glad that I decided to read this at this moment in time.
Thank you frankie for sharing your journey with the world. I think your book is one that will help many people.
January 16, 2021
This book is a first person account of depression, anxiety and other associated Mental Illnesses. The fact that the author is a pop star, in my opinion, detracts from its value because one says to oneself, "this can't be happening to me." Other than that it's a well-written and agonizing account of Frankie Bridges' transition from illness to acceptance. She shows that it is possible to live a successful life even with mental illness when one is open about it and seeks help. I wish she had written a little more about other illnesses like Bipolar Disorder but perhaps since she does not have any experience of it, it would not be her story. If you are living with mental illness or close to someone with mental illness you should definitely read it. Anyone with an interest in non-fiction will also find it illuminating. One comment, for a British book to have international appeal, I wish she would explain how many pounds or kilos there are in a stone:-)
February 17, 2021
Oh my this book.
Frankie is such an inspiration. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her to have to revisit everything in her past to tell this story and be OPEN. You would never have guessed when she was doing performances that behind her smile was a young woman battling with her mental health.
This is such an important thing to be talked about more people should feel like they can talk about their struggles. Mental health is just as important as physical health and all the stigma behind mental Heath is what prevents people from feeling like they can be open and honest.
I grew up listening to S Club Juniors and The Saturdays and knew I wanted to read this as soon as she announced it. This book just affirms that saying be kind because you never know what someone is going through and it’s so true. You would never have thought the smiles on her face weren’t real or a front that deep down she was really struggling.
Frankie is such an inspiration. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her to have to revisit everything in her past to tell this story and be OPEN. You would never have guessed when she was doing performances that behind her smile was a young woman battling with her mental health.
This is such an important thing to be talked about more people should feel like they can talk about their struggles. Mental health is just as important as physical health and all the stigma behind mental Heath is what prevents people from feeling like they can be open and honest.
I grew up listening to S Club Juniors and The Saturdays and knew I wanted to read this as soon as she announced it. This book just affirms that saying be kind because you never know what someone is going through and it’s so true. You would never have thought the smiles on her face weren’t real or a front that deep down she was really struggling.
April 15, 2020
Frankie is extremely courageous to share with the world her long-term battle with mental health.
For me the aspects that really stood out were “Admission”,”When Will I Get Better?” and “Medication” and “Will I get better”, as this was the point at which Frankie accepted she needed help and became tired of hiding the “other” version of herself. We can all appreciate that the hardest part of seeking help, is accepting you have a problem.
I would highly recommend reading this book as we all need to be more aware of the impact that mental health can have, as it still seen as a taboo matter. Talking about mental health will normalise the illness and in turn people needing help will (I hope) feel empowered to get the help they rightly deserve without the fear of feeling judged.
For me the aspects that really stood out were “Admission”,”When Will I Get Better?” and “Medication” and “Will I get better”, as this was the point at which Frankie accepted she needed help and became tired of hiding the “other” version of herself. We can all appreciate that the hardest part of seeking help, is accepting you have a problem.
I would highly recommend reading this book as we all need to be more aware of the impact that mental health can have, as it still seen as a taboo matter. Talking about mental health will normalise the illness and in turn people needing help will (I hope) feel empowered to get the help they rightly deserve without the fear of feeling judged.
March 3, 2020
Finished this on my lunch break and IT WAS BRILLIANT and encouraged me to book a day off work this week to finally tell the truth to my doctor woo meds review!
Talking about our mental health is so important and I love that Frankie talks about both therapy and medication as not cures to her mental illness but as an important step in helping her get better. Such an honest story which I have no doubt will help a great number of people and I'm so happy I came across this book when I did.
I know how difficult it is to open up to people but it's so helpful and if anybody needs somebody to listen, my messages are always open!!!
Never go through anything alone <3
Talking about our mental health is so important and I love that Frankie talks about both therapy and medication as not cures to her mental illness but as an important step in helping her get better. Such an honest story which I have no doubt will help a great number of people and I'm so happy I came across this book when I did.
I know how difficult it is to open up to people but it's so helpful and if anybody needs somebody to listen, my messages are always open!!!
Never go through anything alone <3
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